Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODIs: The star performers in series

Tags: Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2015, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Tamim Iqbal Khan, Mohammad Mushfiqur Rahim, Azhar Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Arafat Sunny

Published on: Apr 23, 2015

Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2015 ODI Series: We take a look at the best performers in the series, most of whom were, not surprisingly, from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh created history on Wednesday by defeating Pakistan comprehensively in the third ODI at Mirpur to register their first ever ODI series whitewash over their Asian counterparts. We take a look at the best performers in the series, most of whom were, not surprisingly, from Bangladesh.

Tamim Iqbal: Without doubt the standout performer of the series. The Bangladesh opener finished the series with an impressive tally of 312 runs, with two hundreds and a fifty. Iqbal kicked off the series with a smashing 132 from 135 balls in the opening ODI, made an unbeaten run-a-ball 116 in the second chasing and finished off the series with a fluent 64 from 76 balls as Bangladesh clinched the series 3-0. Iqbal averaged an unbelievable 156 at a strike rate of 95.4. Not surprisingly, he was the man of the series for his splendid batting.

Mushfiqur Rahim: The veteran wicket-keeper once again proved his value to the team. He totalled 220 runs with one hundred and a fifty at an average of 110, and a splendid strike rate of 115.7. Rahim began the series with a smashing 106 from only 77 balls. He gave Iqbal good company in the second ODI as well, hitting 65 from 70 balls. He carried on his good run in the third match too, remaining unbeaten on 49 as Bangladesh clinched the series. It was only fair that Bangladesh’s two heroes -- Tamim and Rahim -- were at the crease when the historic moment came.

Azhar Ali: In a completely forgettable series for Pakistan, their new skipper Ali was the only saving grace. He was consistent throughout, and ended with 209 runs with one hundred and a fifty, averaging 69.6 at a strike rate of 85.3. He made 72 from 73 in the first ODI, was dismissed for 36 in the second, and then struck a fluent hundred in the final match. While Ali impressed with his batting, his team clearly let him down.

Arafat Sunny: The Bangladesh spinner was the best bowler in the series from either side. In three matches, he claimed six wickets at a wonderful strike rate of 22, an economy rate of 4.3, and a strike rate of 30. Sunny claimed 3 for 47 in the opening game, his best analysis of the series. He picked up 1 for 41 in the second, and 2 for 43 in the third. Sunny never allowed the Pakistan batsmen to settle down, and was rewarded suitably.

Shakib Al Hasan: After sending down nearly 30 overs, Shakib claimed five wickets at an average of 26, a strike rate of 35.2 and an economy rate of 4.43. He picked up 1 for 45 in the first ODI, 2 for 51 in the second and 2 for 34 in the third. Shakib actually wasn’t at his best, yet finished with good numbers, which reiterates his greatness.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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